Buying a bike in Spain

[ClaudeNfat]

Can a foreigner (non-EU, in fact Canadian) buy a bike in Spain? what would be the requirements?

[xfiltrate]

Hi , ClaudeNfat you have a great web site!!!! I am a US citizen and this year bought a new BMW in Spain. This was possible because I am a legal resident of Spain - having jumped through all the immigration hoops several years ago.

I am in Spain and just phoned up my BMW dealer to confirm that as a Canadian you cannot purchase a vehicle or motorcycle in Spain unless you are a diplomat or a legal resident. Info to the contrary appreciated.

I was surprised that only one name is allowed on each Spanish vehicle/moto title so sharing a title with a legal resident or a Spanish citizen seems to be out as well.

Also FYI Getting a Spanish driving permit is really difficult - especially if taking the exam in English from the official Spanish translation. (the translation could be better) The handling test seems to be designed to discourage new drivers too. You must cough up money to a driving school and use the motos provided by the school for all official testing. I don't get it - corrections welcome re the facts. Anyone who knows different please post as non EU licenses are only valid for tourists and for ? months after gaining residence status.

Rules seem to be heavily enforced here. I feel much like a Don Quiote - vibrating at a different - perhaps South American frequency - when compared to the Spanish system.... I also live in Buenos Aires.

I love Spain, once you get to know a Spaniard you have a friend for life, who really cares, this makes the rules much more bearable. Seems to be rules regarding friendships too...At least this has been my experience. But, all regulations are expected to be followed, even the King's son in law has been accused of corruption???

hope this helps ride hard ride free

[ClaudeNfat]

Hi exfiltrate, thanks for taking the time to call your dealer and answer.
The solution I found, until I get a NIE (if I ever get one), is to purchase the bike (a used one obviously) through a dealership who then gives me papers as if I am on a rental. At the end, ¡f I decide to sell the bike, they will sell it for me and give me the proceeds. I thinks it is fair. How long are you staying in Spain?
cheers
claude

[xfiltrate]

ClaudeNfat - your previous post is a very creative solution to the problem of a foreigner buying a bike in Spain. Out of the box thinking like yours magically provides creative solutions when shared with other over landers on Horizons Unlimited.

Thank you and perhaps we will meet in Spain. I just travel a lot, no plans at the moment.

xfiltrate ride hard ride free

[ClaudeNfat]

fill-up the EX-15 form stating that you request a NIE for the purchase of a vehicle, annex a copy of the invoice/contract/pro-forma invoice to the form and present it to an office of extranjeria or comisaria de policia.
Same day or a few days later you will receive your NIE.
Then go the Finance Ministry (Haciendo) to have this NIE activated (de alta)
Once you have purchased your bike, go the transito department with the vehicle papers, copy of the seller's DNI, a copy of your NIE, your passport and the forms that you paid the taxes (a gestor will do that more efficienly and for a mere 25€, I can recommend one in Granada). and in 20 minutes you have the papers in your name. Then you obviously have to purchase insurance. That's it, It took me 3 days.

[xfiltrate]

Claudenfat we are riding out of northern Galicia Wednesday. Today is Monday.

Will be riding part way along the Camino de Santiago headed for Valencia. Will

be on the beaches of Valencia by the weekend. Are you anywhere in route?

xfiltrate